About Us
MERG (Multi-professional Evidence-based practice and Research Group) has been established to improve the quality of care to patients and their families through the sustained facilitation, within the Trust, of critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and research by nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (AHPs). General aims of the group include:
- Creating a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and receptivity to change among nurses, midwives and AHPs.
- Increasing research capacity among multi-professional staff.
- Providing care to patients and families that is consistent with best available evidence.
- Developing a programme of multi-professional research with a particular emphasis on patient and family experiences.
To meet these aims, the group has composed a three year strategic plan, which you visit by going to the documents page. You can also keep up-to-date with the group’s activities by visiting its events page.
MERG brings together a range of personnel from across the Trust and is chaired by Professor Christi Deaton (Professor of Nursing). Others members are as follows:
- Dr Stephanie Tierney (Research Fellow)
- Dr Andrew Maines (Head of Research and Development)
- Head of Nursing for Divisions (rotating position)
- Michael Connolly (Nurse Consultant, Palliative Care)
- Mary Dodd (AHP Consultant, Cystic Fibrosis)
- Tarnya Hulme (Nurse Consultant, Urology)
- Dr. Steve Williams (Pharmacist)
- Cathy Pettipher (Therapist)
- Stephen Woods (Librarian)
- Valerie Beaumont (Nurse Consultant, A&E)
- Ex officio: Mandy Bailey (Chief Nurse)
Further details of our work can be found in the Three Year Strategic Plan for the group.